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Suzuki Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) (2010-2016) reliability

At a glance

Suzuki Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) built around 2016: about average at the MOT

Suzuki Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) models built around 2016 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Suzuki Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

20% of MOT tests on Suzuki Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 23% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Suzuki Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) models built around 2016 involves the brakes.

Suzuki Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ)
average reliability2010-2016HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 81,053 tests of Swift models registered 2010-2016.

About 1 in 50 Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) MOTs (2.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 14,361 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 25 Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) MOTs (3.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 14,361 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (FZ/NZ) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
4,44019.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
14,36119.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
14,85921.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
12,36423.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
11,78325.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
10,62627.1%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
8,11829.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
4,50231.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 15 years old.

How the Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) compares

At each age below, see how the Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 42,073 tests across 8 Suzuki models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSuzuki average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
4,44019.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
14,36119.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
14,85921.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
12,36423.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
11,78325.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
10,62627.1%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
8,11829.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
4,50231.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ).

  1. 1

    DS 4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.1%

    No clear edge over the Suzuki Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,659 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Volkswagen up!

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.7%

    No clear edge over the Suzuki Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,273 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    DS 3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.9%

    No clear edge over the Suzuki Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) on these figures.

    3 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    15,393 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Toyota Aygo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.9%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 15.6%, against 19.6% for the Suzuki Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ), both built around 2016.

    27,136 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

95%of all Suzuki Swift cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

20 recalls in all

5 of the 20 Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 5 recalls

Top concerns

  • Braking efficiency may be reduced
  • Rear axle may fail
  • Engine failure may occur

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2016 (9 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Swift tests (not specific to Mk3 (FZ/NZ)).

1.0 to 1.4 litres19.6%12,777 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres20.3%1,584 tests
How Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) cars have aged

How Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%579111315Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (8,648 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (8,394 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (8,499 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (8,398 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (8,436 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (9,822 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (9,560 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (9,570 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (9,521 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (9,528 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (7,896 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (7,800 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (7,714 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (7,698 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (7,678 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (6,963 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (6,988 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (6,856 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (6,789 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (6,740 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.0% (7,352 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (7,292 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (7,161 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (7,067 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (6,876 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (5,252 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.7% (5,072 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (4,978 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (4,792 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (4,567 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (5,680 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (5,551 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (5,331 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (4,920 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (4,502 tests, 2025 data)2010
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
Mk3 (FZ/NZ) variants compared
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Suzuki Swifts of this age

This list covers every Suzuki Swift built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (FZ/NZ) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    15.0%
    Advisory: 2,974Fail: 309 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.4%
    Advisory: 3,063Fail: 204 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    11.8%
    Advisory: 3,180Fail: 487 (13% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    8.5%
    Advisory: 1,694Fail: 146 (8% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    7.9%
    Advisory: 1,479Fail: 20 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 14,361 tests

Looking at a Suzuki Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Suzuki Swift Mk3 (FZ/NZ) (2010-2016) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 14,361 9-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 81,053 MOT tests on Suzuki Swifts first registered between 2010-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.